The Princess of Las Pulgas

Gr 8 Up—After Carlie's father dies, her formerly well-to-do family must move to an apartment in a less-desirable neighborhood. The adjustment is particularly difficult for Carlie and her brother Keith since Las Pulgas is their former school's rival. They are teased by their classmates because of their superior attitudes and because they are embarrassed to be living in this place. Carlie is nicknamed Princess because some of the students think she acts like royalty. Things begin to change for her in her English class, where her writing exercises give her an opportunity to discover who her classmates are and help her share her hidden feelings. She gets the role of Desdemona in Othello, the junior class play, earning her the nickname "Des." Eventually, things start to turn around for Keith and their mother, too, thanks to a helpful neighbor. Carlie's story is both uplifting and sad. While the story is predictable, the characters seem completely real as they deal with their grief, adjust to their new lifestyle, and struggle to move on. As Carlie's English teacher says, "Las Pulgas has much to offer."—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD